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Success stories and continuing challenges: A longitudinal analysis of gender-ethnic wage gaps in the UK

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  • Simonetta Longhi

    (University of Reading)

Abstract

This paper investigates the evolution of ethnic wage gaps among men and women in the UK over the period 1993–2023. The results show reductions in wage gaps among all South Asian groups, which are driven by higher educational attainment and occupational advancement. In contrast, wage gaps persist for Black ethnic groups. While for Black Caribbeans a key issue is lower levels education, for Black Africans the high proportion of foreign-born individuals limits their returns on education. These trends suggest a reordering of the wage gap hierarchy over time, with Black groups expected to experience the largest disparities in the future, instead of the historically disadvantaged Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Simonetta Longhi, 2025. "Success stories and continuing challenges: A longitudinal analysis of gender-ethnic wage gaps in the UK," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 2507, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:2507
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ethnic wage gaps; gender wage gaps; wage gap trends; impact of characteristics; labour force participation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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